Refrigerated liquid dispenser



Aug. 9, 1938.

H. C. MCCARTHA REFRIGERATED LQUID DI SPENSER Filed Nov. 3, 1937 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 9, 1938, H. c. MccARTHA REFRIGERATED LIQUIDDISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 3. 1937 v Patented Aug. 9, 1938UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRJGERATED LIQUID DISPENSER Harry C.McCartha, Jacksonville, Fla.

Application November 3, 1937, Serial No. 172,641

(CL 62;-A-ll41) The present invention relates to refrigerators of thetype provided with means for storing, cooling,

11 Claims.

and dispensing drinking water or other liquids.

An object of the invention is the provision of a water receptaclepositioned adjacent the cooling unit of a refrigerator and having afaucet capable of movement from aninoperative position within therefrigerator, to an operative position exterior of the refrigeratorcasing.

A further feature includes a small auxiliary opening in a wall of therefrigerator through which the faucet may project, a closure for theopening connected to the faucet to move the latter unit.

cleaning.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the linvention will now bemore fully described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings,in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a refrigerator showingv my inventionapplied to the refrigerator door.

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 2 -2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is' a horizont 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of the valve connection between the waterreceptacle and faucet. Figure 5 is a modified form of the inventionshowing the water receptacle detachably` posial section taken on line Astill further object contemplates the provision of an insulatedrefrigerator door or wall having a grooved recess, and a waterreceptacle having an insulated tongue receivable in the groove andforming therewith an insulated joint between the receptacle andrefrigerator wall or door, as well as a detachable connection forallowing the receptacle to be easily and quickly removed for tioned in aside wall of the refrigerator.

Figure 6 is a section taken 0n line 6-6 of Figure 5.

frigerator door'and,

. Figure 8 is a section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Referring to Figures l to 4, the numeral i designates a refrigeratorhaving a front door Il connected to the body of the refrigerator byhinges i2 in the usual manner. This refrigerator may be either of themechanical or ice-box type and is provided with inner and outer spacedwalls i3 and i4 respectively, between which is placed suitableinsulating material i5. The door Il is insulated in 'the samemanner andthis insulated section i6 has formed therein a substantially U- shapedrecessed portion or depression il extending to the top of the door.

A water or other liquid containing tank or receptacle i8 is slidably anddetachably mounted in the recessed portion llLof the door. This tankconforms to the contour of the recess I1 and is provided with a solid orinsulated continuous tongue i9 engageable in a continuous groove 20formed in the wall of the recessed portion l1.

As shown in Figure 3, the tongue and groove are substantially squareshaped in cross section, but may be of any desired formation so long asit constitutes a tight seal for preventing the escape of cold air fromthe interior of the refrigerator. The water receptacle is provided witha hinged lid 2l and the entire receptacle may be quickly removed forcleaning and as easily inserted Yin the recess il where the water orother liquid in the tank will be readily chilled or cooled.

In order that the contents of the receptacle may be convenientlydischarged without opening the refrigerator door i I, I provide afaucet-22 pivotally and swingably mounted on the lower front wall of thereceptacle. The receptacle, at this point, is provided with a verticallyextending recess 23 opening outwardly and aligning and com vmu-nicatingwith an opening 24 in the front of the refrigerator door. As shown inFigure 2, this arrangement permits the faucet 22 to be moved from itsinoperative dotted line position to its operative full line position. Inthis latter position, the liquid will ow from the tank through thefaucet whereas, in its upper closed positionthe flow of liquid is cutoif. I'his is accomplished by providing a rotary valve 25 including avalve casing 26 and a valve member 21 rotatably mounted in the casingand carrying the faucet 22. The casing 26 has a spud 28 passing throughan opening in the front of the receptacle I8. A- nut 29 threadedlyengages the spud and securely clamps the valve casing to the receptacle.The spud is provided with a passage 30 communicating with the interiorof the receptacle and the valve member 2".I has an opening 3l movableinto register with the passage 30 when the valve is in its loweroperative tion.

position (see Figure 4). However, when the faucet is moved to its upperposition within the recess 23, the opening 3| will be moved out ofregister with the passage 30 and thus cut off the flow of fluid from thereceptacle.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it will be observed that a spring 32connects the faucet and valve. This spring is substantially U-shaped information having a centrally disposed faucet engaging portion. Each ofthe legs of the spring terminates in a coil 33 surrounding the valvemember 21 on each side of the casing 26 and having its extreme endportion 34 contacting the wall of the recess 23 on one side of the spud28. This spring has the double function of normally urging the faucet 22into inoperative position in the recess 23 and also providing a tight tbetween the casing 26 and valve member 21. The valve member and casingare slightly tapered and the reduced end of the valve member is threadedto receive a nut 35 and a washer 36. Thus, by tightening the nut 35, thecoiled ends 33 of the spring will be compressed and effect a tight fitbetween the valve elements.

A door or closure 31 is hinged to the lower side of the opening 24 andis adapted to close the opening when moved to an upward position aboveits pivot. For the purpose of automatically moving the faucet tooperative position as the closure 31 is opened, I provide a flexiblecord or chain 3B detachably connecting these two members. With the cordin operative position, and assuming that the door 31 is in closedposition, the spring 32 will normally maintain the faucet in its dottedline position in Figure 2. However, when the closure 31 is swung to openposition about its pivot, the cord or connection 38 will move the faucet22 to its operative position against the tension of the spring 32. Theclosure is sufficiently heavy, when open, to maintain the faucet inoperative position against the tension of the spring 32. When the dooris moved to closed position, the flexible cord 38 will permit the spring32 to return the faucet to its inoperative position within the recess23.

A slab of insulating material 39 is secured to the inner face of theclosure and is adaptedto be received within and seal the opening 24against the escape of cold air when the door is closed. The flexiblecord 38 is detachably connected to either the closure or faucet topermit the receptacle I8 and the faucet to be removed from therefrigerator. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the cord is shown asbeing detachably connected to the closure 31,. This is accomplished byproviding a slotted cup-shaped element 4U receiving a head 4i on the endof the cord, with the cord engaging the slotted portion of the cup. Thetension of the spring maintains the head lll in the cup 40 when theclosure is open, but the head may be easily detached by moving theclosure and the faucet toward each other or by merely returning theclosure to a partially closed posi- Either movement will remove thetension of the spring on the cord and allow the head to be disengagedfrom the cup. With the cord detached from the closure 31, the spring 32will maintain both the faucet and the cord within the recess 23 and thereceptacle i8 may then be quickly slipped out of the recess l1 when therefrigerator door H is opened. The closure is provided with a knob orhandle 42 and a spring catch or clip 43 which is engageable with aheadedelement 44 located in the top of the opening 24, to retain the closurein closed position.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated' a modified formof the invention wherein the water tank or receptacle is positioned in aside Wall of the refrigerator. In this connection, the side wall 45 ofthe refrigerator 46 is provided with a recessed position 41 for thereception of the water receptacle 48. Both the receptacle and recess areshown as being substantially rectangular in formation, but may have anyother desired configuration. As in the previously described form, thefront wall 49 of the receptacle is recessed as at 50 to provide ahousing for the faucet 5I and the valve 52. These elements will not bedescribed in detail as they are similar to those shown in Figures 1 to4.

A finish strip 53 is secured to the front wall 49 and overlaps the edgesof the wall so as to provide a tight seal and contact with the frontwall 54 of the refrigerator. The lower portion of the strip 53 isprovided with an opening 55 aligning with the recessed portion 5U andthereby permitting the faucet 5I to be moved outwardly through theopening to an operative position. A closure 56 similar to the closure 31is hinged to the finish strip 53 and is connected to the faucet by aflexible detachable cord 51. A handle 58 is positioned above the opening55 for facilitating the removal and introduction of the receptacle inthe wall 45. While the tongue and groove arrangement of Figures 1 to 3is not shown in this modification, it is to be understood that theseelements may be applied to the receptacle 48 and recess 41, if desired.

In Figures 7 and 8, there is disclosed a further modification whereinthe water receptacle 59 is permanently mounted in the refrigerator door6D. In this connection, the walls 6I of the receptacle also constitutemeans for retaining the insulation 62 in place in the door. A hinged lid63 closes the top of the receptacle and is of suicient size to permitthe receptacle to be easily cleaned. In this modification, similar tothe other two forms of the invention, the receptacle is provided with afront recess 64 receiving a swinging faucet 65, and valve 66. A U-shapedspring 61 engages the faucet and valve and has the double function ofnormally retaining the faucet in the recess E4 and of also maintainingthe valve elements in tight association. In this form, however, avertically swinging closure is provided and this is not connected to thefaucet. 1

The water or liquid receptacle in the modications illustrated in Figuresl and '1 may be of any desired configuration, but is preferably of theshape disclosed, that is, substantially U-shaped with the bottom beingcurved. This eliminates any sharp corners or pockets which might collectparticles of dirt and therefore provides a sanltary construction whichis easy to keep clean. Furthermore, the curvature of the bottom wallfacilitates the discharge of the contents of the receptable.

In the claims it is to be understood that the term refrigerator wall isto be broadly interpreted as constituting any portion of therefrigerator casing including the refrigerator door which in mostrefrigerator constructions comprises the greater portion of the frontwall of the refrigerator. It is to be further understood that suchvariations from the construction herein shown and described as arewithin the skill of a.

vthe source of water supply, said refrigerator having an opening leadingto theexterior of the same and so associated with the faucet that thelatter may be moved to an operative position adjacent the opening, meansfor urging 'and normally maintaining the faucet in an inoperativeposition,'and means for moving and maintaining the faucet in anoperative position against the action of said first mentioned means.

2. In a refrigerator, a source of water supply located within therefrigerator, a faucet swingably carried by said refrigerator andconnected to the source of water supply, said refrigerator having anopening leading to the exterior of the same and associated with saidfaucet whereby the faucet may be swung through the opening to anoperative position, means for Aurging and normally maintaining thefaucet in an inoperative position within the opening, and a closure' forsaid opening associated with said faucet and .adapted to move the latteroutwardly through located within the refrigerator, a faucet swing- Yably carried by said refrigerator and connected to the source of watersupply, said refrigerator i having an opening leading to the exterior ofthe same and associated with said faucet wherebythe faucet may be swungthrough the opening to an operative position, a spring carriedby therefrigerator within the opening and operatively y connected to thefaucet for urging the latter to an inoperative position within theopening,'and a closure for said opening connected to the faucet to movethe latter outwardly through the opening to anoperative position againstthe tension of said spring, said closure being sumciently -heavy toretain the faucet in operative position against the tension of saidspring.

d. In a refrigerator, a source of water supply located within'therefrigerator, aA faucet swingably carried by said refrigerator andconnected to the source of water supply, said refrigerator having anopening leading to the exterior of the same and associated with saidfaucet whereby the faucet may be swung through the opening to anoperative position, a spring carried by the `refrigerator within theopening and operatively connected to the faucet for urging the latter toan inoperative position within the opening, a pivoted closure normallyclosing the opening, and a exible connection between the faucet andclosure adapted to swing the faucet to operative position through theopening against the tension of the spring when the closure is movedtoppen position, said exible connection permitting the spring to swingthe faucet to inoperative position within the opening when the closure'is returned to closed position.

5. In a refrigerator, a liquid receptacle mounted in a wail of therefrigerator, a faucet swingably mounted on the receptacle andcommunieating with the interior of the same, saidwall y having anopening leading to the exterior of the refrigerator and positionedadjacent the faucet whereby the latter may be swung "through the opening-to an operativev position, a spring carried by the receptacle andoperatively connected v to the faucet for urging the latter to 'aninoperative position within the opening, a closure pivotally mounted onthe refrigerator wall 'and nor-'-- mally closing the opening, and aflexibleA cord connecting the faucet and closure and adapted to 5" swingthe faucet to operative positionz through the opening against thetension of the spring', when the closurevis moved to open position,said. cord permitting the spring to swing the faucet. to inoperativeposition within the opening when. 1o

` the closure is returned to closed position.

6. In a refrigerator, a liquid receptacle removably mounted in a wall ofthe refrigeratorfand provided with a recess in one of its walls, afaucet pivotally mounted on the receptacle to swing' m15 an inoperativeposition wholly withinthe recessv and communicating with the interior ofthe rel ceptacle, said refrigerator wall having an opening. aligningwith the recess in the receptacle wall` whereby the faucet may be swungfrom an inop- 2o erative position within the recess to an operativeVposition through the opening, and a closure .mounted on the refrigeratorwall to normally4 close the opening.

7. In a refrigerator, a'liquid receptacle remov- 2g ably mounted in awall of the refrigerator and provided with a recess in one of itswalls,a4 faucet pivotally mounted on the receptacle to swing toi aninoperative position wholly within the recess and communicating with theinterior of there-gg ceptacle, said refrigerator wail having anopen-ling aligning with the` recess in the receptacle wall whereby the faucetmay be swung from its inoperative position within the recess to anoperative position through the opening, a closure mountedv 35 on therefrigerator wall to normally close the* opening, and a flexible cordconnecting the faucet and closure to swing the faucet to operativeposition through the opening when the closure is moved to open position,said cord being detach-'40 ably connected to the closure to permit there-y ceptacle, faucet and cord to be removed asfa unit from therefrigerator wail. I

- d. In a refrigerator, a liquid receptacle re` movabiy mounted in awali of the refrigerator and provided with a recess infone of itswa1ls,av faucet pivotally mounted on the receptacle to` swing to aninoperative position wholly within" the recess and communicating withthe interior of the receptacle, said refrigerator wall having an openingaligning with the recess in the receptacle I wall 'whereby the faucetmay be'swung from its inoperative position within the recess to anoperative position through the opening,` a' spring` mounted in therecess and operatively connectedto the faucet for urging the latter toits inopea tive position within the recess, a closure Vmdnn'teci on, therefrigerator wail to normally close the opening, and a dexibie cordconnecting the faucet and closure and adapted to swing the faucet'tooperative position through the opening against the tension of the springwhen the closure is moved to open position, said cord. being detachablyconnected to the closure to permit the receptacle, faucet and cord to beremoved as a unit" .35

from the refrigerator. f I V 9. In a refrigerator, a liquid receptacle'mounted in a. wall of the refrigerator, a valve,i casing mounted on awall of the receptacle and having a passage communicating with the.'lin-70 exterior of the refrigerator and positioned in alignment withthe valve elements, a faucet carried by the valve member and swingableto an operativeposition through the opening, and a spring connecting thefaucet and engaging the valve casing and member to retain them in liquidtight relation, said spring normally urging the faucet to inoperativeposition within the opening.

10. In a refrigerator, a liquid receptacle mounted in a wall of therefrigerator, a valve casing mounted on a wall of the receptacle andhaving a passage communicating with the interior thereof, a valve memberrotatable in the casing and having an opening adapted to register withthe passage to place the valve member in communication with thereceptacle, said refrigerator wall having an opening leading to theexterior of the refrigerator and positioned in alignment with the valveelements, a faucet carried by the valve member and swingable to anoperative position through the opening, and a spring of substantiallyU-shaped formation having an intermediate portion engaging the faucet tonormally urge the latter to inoperative position Within the opening, theends of said spring being coiled around opposite ends of the valvemember and engageable with the valve casing to maintain the casing andvalve member in liquid tight relation.

11. In a refrigerator, an insulated door having a recessed portionextending to an edge of the door and provided with a continuous groove,and a water receptacle having walls provided with a continuous insulatedtongue slidably engageable with the groove to form a detachableconnection and insulated joint between the receptacle and door.

HARRY C. MCCARTHA.

